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Jerome Torstenson

Posted 1/20/10 (Wed)

Jerome H. Torstenson, 66, of Dickinson, N.D., formerly of Watford City, N.D., died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at the Ft. Meade V.A. Medical Center in Sturgis, S.D. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Interment followed at Schafer Cemetery. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com
Jerome H. “Jerry” Torstenson was born May 4, 1943, to Henry and Elva (Anklam) Torstenson in Williston, N.D. He was raised on the family farm. He graduated from Watford City High School in1961.
After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, he was sent to Germany, where he served as a radar specialist and earned several marksman awards. He was honorably discharged in 1964.
Jerry returned to Watford City in 1965, and worked at Farmers Union for a short time before taking employment with Matador Service, which later became Koch Oil. He was employed as a truck driver, dispatcher, field rep, assistant foreman and district foreman. He and his family lived in Oklahoma, New Jersey, and Utah before returning home to farm in 1976. He also worked for Orrin’s Bobcat Service while living in Watford City.
On Aug. 11, 1966, Jerry married Judy Gravos at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D. From this union, two children were born: Jan Renae (Torstenson) Lynch, born in Enid, Okla., and Jared Ryan Torstenson, born in Williston, N.D. The couple divorced in 1984.
While living in Watford City, Jerry was an active member of the McKenzie County Energy and Taxation Committee, the Dakota Resource Council, and the Arnegard Lion’s Club. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Dickinson, and was a previous member of First Lutheran Church in Watford City.
Jerry had an avid interest in politics and loved a good argument on the subject. He was an active environmentalist long before people were aware of what environmentalism is. He enjoyed fishing and in earlier years loved to garden, play cards and dance. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, always laughing and joking. He loved to brag about his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Jan (Mike) Lynch of Dickinson, N.D.; son, Jared (Tanya) Torstenson of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren, Brienna Lynch, Macy Lynch, Kade Lynch and Henry Torstenson; mother, Elva Torstenson of New Braunfels, Texas; sisters, Lois Holton of Everett, Wash., Janice (Arnie) Johnson of Gresham, Ore., Kathie (Arvin) Danielson of Solon, Iowa, and Myrna (Rob Mills) Tiley of Spring Branch, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Torstenson; and nephew Craig Johnson.